Is Behrani a racist? For example, he reminds the other immigrants (from China, Vietnam, and Panama) on his garbage crew that, in his country, he could order them all flogged (and he always calls Mendez a "pig"). He at one point thinks that Americans don't deserve America (such opportunities as the U.S. offers are taken by immigrants, he says, because the native-born Americans are watching their televisions). He is repulsed that his uncle, who had murdered his cousin Jasmeen, had acted like a peasant. He tells Kathy she is unworthy even to raise her eyes to him.

Is Kathy a racist? She mentions "Mr. Bahrooni," the "Mideastern prick," the "Arab woman," "Mr. Barmeeny," and "Mrs. Bahroony." She is glad that Behrani will become "Middle Eastern history." She does not give Nadi-the woman who so compassionately saved her life-what seemed to be the absolute...